In 2012, bilateral trade grew to US $5.256 billion from US $3.5-billion in 2011, representing the highest level of two-way trade that the two nations have experienced in 20 years.
The first Thailand Trade Show will take place from 18-20 June at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the second from 25-27 June at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Members of the public are welcome to attend on the last day of each show.
"It seems fitting to commemorate this anniversary with a double showing of our Thailand Trade Show," says Dr Chakarin Komolsiri, head of the office of commercial affairs at the Royal Thai Embassy in South Africa.
The shows typically attract a strong contingent of local buyers, traders, importers, retailers, wholesalers, agents and distributors keen to explore new trade opportunities or to expand or diversify their relationship with Thai exporters. Among the diverse sectors that will be on show this year are food and beverage; health; beauty; textiles; accessories and fashion products, footwear; household and kitchen products amongst others.
The Thailand Trade Show is primarily a business-to-business event that puts South African traders in direct contact with prominent Thai exporters and business opportunities. DITP officials will be on hand to facilitate introductions, answer trade questions and assist traders to source and establish communication and relationships with Thai trading partners across all trade sectors.
Thai exports to South Africa range from automotive to food and beverage, rubber and agri-industry products, among others, and totalled USD 2.428 Billion in 2012. Last year, food products accounted for three of Thailand's top 15 exports to South Africa. Cereal (rice) ranked fifth, prepared meat & fish (canned tuna and sardines) sixth and meat (poultry) fifteenth.
"Food security is an issue of great importance to countries around the world at present and a particular priority for African nations. Thai food exporters will use the coming trade shows to demonstrate their strength in this market and their ability to reliably and sustainably provide food products of high quality and nutritional value to meet South Africa's food security needs," adds Dr. Komolsiri.
Thai cuisine is among Thailand's most celebrated global exports and so, to provide both entertainment and flavour to the Thailand Trade Show, award-winning Thai chefs will prepare authentic Thai food for visitors to sample, at daily cooking demonstrations.
While Thai exports to South Africa have grown steadily over the last few years, in mostly double-digit percentages, South African exports to Thailand enjoyed triple-digit growth of up to 160% to 300% in various sectors in 2012.
For more information, go to www.thailandtradeshow.co.za.
